Best Places to Live Near Fort Benning: A Comprehensive Guide for PCSing Military Personnel

If you're preparing for a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) to Fort Benning, Georgia, home to the United States Army Infantry School and the Maneuver Center of Excellence, finding the right place to live is crucial.

With over 40,000 soldiers residing in the area, Fort Benning is a bustling military base, and choosing the right community can greatly impact your experience.

This guide covers the best places to live near Fort Benning, including options in both Georgia and Alabama.

Best Places to Live Near Fort Benning

Georgia

Columbus

Why Columbus? Columbus, the largest city near Fort Benning, offers a diverse range of amenities and attractions:

• High-rated schools and hospitals
• Shopping centers and dining options
• Columbus State University, providing educational opportunities for military spouses
• Vibrant cultural scene, including museums, theaters, and art galleries
• Annual events, such as RiverFest Festival and Columbus Symphony Orchestra performances

Recommendation: Ideal for those seeking a dynamic lifestyle with diverse cultural offerings.

Midland

Why Midland? Located just north of Columbus, Midland is a smaller city known for:

• Family-friendly atmosphere
• Top-rated schools
• Numerous parks and recreation facilities
• Lower cost of living compared to Columbus

Recommendation: Perfect for those desiring a quiet, small-town environment with an affordable cost of living.

Alabama

Phenix City

Why Phenix City? Located just across the Chattahoochee River from Columbus, Phenix City is a popular choice for military families because of:

• Close proximity to Fort Benning
• Lower cost of living
• Diverse community
• Variety of restaurants, shops, and historical attractions

Recommendation: Ideal for those looking for affordability and a strong sense of community.

Smiths Station

Why Smiths Station? Smiths Station is a rural area near Fort Benning, offering:

• Highly rated school system
• Lower property taxes
• Spacious homes with large yards
• Plenty of parks and recreation opportunities

Recommendation: Best for those who prioritize a rural setting, excellent schools, and budget-friendly living.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Place to Live

Commute Time

• Columbus to Fort Benning: Can be long, especially during rush hour
• Midland, Phenix City, and Smiths Station: Offer shorter commutes

Tip: If you want to minimize travel time, choose a community closer to Fort Benning's gates.

Schools

• If you have children, consider school ratings when choosing a location.
• Columbus, Midland, and Smiths Station all offer strong school districts.

Resources:

• GreatSchools.org
• Niche.com

Amenities

• Columbus: Offers the most in terms of shopping, dining, and entertainment
• Midland, Phenix City, and Smiths Station: Provide a balance of convenience and suburban living
• Smiths Station: Best for those who prefer a rural environment

Cost of Living

• Georgia vs. Alabama: Georgia has a slightly higher cost of living than Alabama, but the difference is minimal.
• Phenix City and Smiths Station offer more affordable housing options than Columbus and Midland.

Resource: Compare cost of living differences using the Cost of Living Index.

Finding Your Next Home

Now that you’ve explored the best places to live near Fort Benning, it’s time to find your ideal home.

Our dedicated military-friendly real estate agents are here to assist you with a seamless relocation experience.

Why Choose VeteranPCS?

Our experienced agents understand the unique challenges of military moves because they are part of military families.

• We help identify the perfect home based on your needs and budget
• We negotiate on your behalf
• We guide you through the closing process

Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our military-friendly real estate agents. Let us make your PCS transition smooth and stress-free!

Plan Your PCS to Georgia

Fort Benning was renamed Fort Moore in 2023, but the housing decision is the same: most families weigh Columbus and Midland on the Georgia side against Phenix City and Smiths Station across the river in Alabama. For the bigger picture of military life in the state, our guide to the military bases in Georgia maps out every installation, and if your career takes you toward Augusta, our Fort Gordon PCS guide and our roundup of the best places to live near Fort Gordon in Augusta cover that market in detail. Whichever community fits your commute and school needs, keep the move on track with our ultimate PCS checklist and timeline, and if you plan to buy, learn how the benefits of a VA loan let you purchase with no down payment and no private mortgage insurance. Many Fort Benning families also weigh the shorter Phenix City commute against the schools in Columbus, so it helps to tour a few neighborhoods in person before you sign anything.

When you are ready for a local read on Columbus, Midland, or Phenix City, you can ask a VeteranPCS agent near Fort Benning for current listings and prices.

Bobby Haskin
Veteran
Haskin Realty Group

Get in Touch

Know another family with orders to Fort Benning? Share this guide with your military network so they can plan their move with real numbers too.